All were gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite AFL figures taking to the field one last time in preparation for Saturday's highly anticipated clash between Hawthorn and Brisbane.

Though their colours might not run, one pair of fans were not going to let their allegiances cause trouble.

Though hailing from Waverley, Markus Harris has been a Lions fan since the team formed in 1996. His neighbour Scott Lowe a Hawks fan since he was six years old.

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"We live around the corner from each other actually," Mr Harris laughed.

"The rivalry doesn't beat us, does it," said Mr Lowe.

Along with Mr Harris' workmate Michael Booth, the group descended on the grounds like many others hoping to score a photo or a signature on their team kits before the stadium fills up for the game on Saturday afternoon.

"Only some of the passionate ones still come out," Mr Harris said. But both still turn out through the good seasons and the bad.

"Scott still comes out for the hard times. Just like me and Michael - we shine through our hard times too."

The game is a critical one for both the Hawks and Lions, with Brisbane needing a win to cement their place in the top four and Hawthorn hoping a victory could see them claw their way into the finals in final fixtures to come.

The last 15 years as a supporter have been tough after the three-year premiership run in the early 2000s, Mr Harris said.

"It improves my mental health that Brisbane are winning. I love it."

"A couple of close calls last year were a bit nerving," added Mr Booth. "But it's good to be back on top - or close to it."

Hawks-turned Lions player Luke Hodge was one of the players the group were keen to meet again as the team left for their hotel, catching the former captain for a quick photo before he stepped on the team bus.

Watching the Hawks take to the field later in the afternoon, Phoebe Xirakas was looking for both inspiration and any signs a win for her team might be in the pipeline.

The 14-year-old and her mother Simone were already heading to Launceston before last week's win against ladder leaders Geelong elevated the stakes of the game.

"We are the biggest Hawthorn fans and we are so stoked," Ms Xirakas said. "And they're playing in Canberra in a couple of weeks as well so we get to see them twice."

"If we don't win this game then we have no chance of making it the finals," Phoebe added. "It's a very important game."

Phoebe's under ACT under-15s school side will take to the field itself on Sunday in a week-long school sports competition against teams from other Australian states.

"I was so happy when [I found out] they were playing when we were down here," she said.

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